 
This week, a Joint Session of the Senate and House of Representatives convened to honor Coach Mike Krzyzewski and select members of the 2010 NCAA Champion Basketball Team. My Tar Heel leanings notwithstanding, I found Coach K a very affable, impressive speaker, dedicated to preparing young men for a career not just for the court. Senate and House Budget Conferees continue to make strong progress in terms of finalizing a compromise budget. We have worked late nights, making tough decisions, but I remain hopeful that we will have a final product by the end of fiscal year next week. Let me be clear: Regardless of whether or not the federal government provides the states the previously promised FMAP money, the General Assembly will pass a balanced budget. The Senate also unveiled a critical bill that will ensure state government is honest, transparent and listens to the people, not special interests. At a time when citizens are growing increasingly cynical with government at all levels, I think it is imperative that the Senate passes a measure such as this and remind the electorate that we are a government of the people, for the people and by the people. I will be happy to support this when it comes for a full vote before the Senate. Have a happy weekend and please keep in touch!
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